‘Springmaid Splash’ trail races set for Aug. 12

The 10K race begins at 8:30 a.m. and the 5K starts after the 10K. The Kids Run takes place before the awards.

Cost to sign up for the 10K race is $30 until July 31 and $40 after Aug. 1 and on race day; the 5K race is $25 before July 31 and $30 after Aug. 1 and on race day; and the Kids Run is $15 until July 31 and $20 after Aug. 1 and on race day. Online registration can be completed at www.active.com.

Race packet pick-up is 5:30-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11, at Spruce Pine Chevrolet, 36 Chevrolet Boulevard. People may pick up packets for other registrants and family members. Race day registration and packet pick-up begins at 7 a.m. at Springmaid Mountain.

Participants are encouraged to arrive early.

Items donated by local businesses and artists will be awarded as door prizes immediately following the races for the 10K overall winner as well as cash awards for first- and second-place male and female finishers.

The top-three male and female finishers in 13-and-under, 14-16, 17-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64 and 65-and-older age groups will also receive prizes as well as a “Masters” prize for one male and one female over 40.

The top two male and female finishers and winners of age groups 11-and-under, 12-13, 14-16, 17-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70-and-older will receive prizes for the 5K race.

The races will be run rain or shine and there will be an alternate course if the river is deemed impassable by emergency management officials.

This 10K run is tough, wet and wild. Runners will get wet as the course runs along flat fields next to the river and through the river four times. Paths wind through mountain laurel, challenging hills, numerous switchbacks, single tracks, soft sand, alongside ponds as well as over roots and rocky spots.

The entire loop is “runable,” but it is totally acceptable to walk parts of the course. Spectators can view various sections of the race and are encouraged to beat the first river crossing.

The 5K Trail Race is deemed one of the more challenging and fun 5Ks. Due to terrain and number of runners, no strollers or dogs are allowed on either course. There are gravel roads and fields where strollers are welcome.

Pets are welcome, but not on the course.

Participants are encouraged to arrive at least one hour early. Parking is limited inside Springmaid Mountain. Most parking will be at the parking lot adjacent to the property.

A free shuttle provided by the Mitchell County Transportation Authority will be running every two minutes beginning at 6:45 am. Shuttles will be available throughout the race. Participants and others will be able to quickly return to their cars as needed. Bags can be checked in at registration.

Water stations will be located throughout the course. Snacks, fruit, water and other items will be available at the finish.